Sunday Snippet: Drink Me!

Whew. The week flew by. I'm in a weird place where I'm getting a lot accomplished but feel like I'm spinning my wheels. So bizarre. Felt the same way last week.

We've had chilly, cool weather with rain. And the week ahead looked like it might be soggy also but is now showing no rain in the forecast. Strange.

Had a pretty okay work week. I have a project I thought completed but apparently it hasn't. The author is wordsmithing and making more changes. Something that isn't fun to do once we're in the design proofread stage. That stuff should happen during the copy edit. I'm making good headway on a science book proofread, which is actually great because the science is way over my head. Really interesting book, though. Started a new copy edit on a mystery thriller and it's going to be a twisty turny ride. Also have a developmental edit I need to get back to. Oh, and possibly a new author signing on for a fun project. Excited to see where that goes.

Pretty good viewing week also. I ended up making it through the whole slate of shows and got a few extras in. Not bad!

Started with Foyle's War and watched the first half of the episode. It's truly remarkable how eerily history repeats itself. This show is twenty-years old, and the themes are as relevant today as they were when the show filmed and the history this show is portraying. Uncanny.

Caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Honestly, I love this show so much. There's always a new twist around the corner. And the main cast and recurring characters are so solid.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. Very pleased to see the commissioner working hard to regain the trust of the island. Also love seeing Naomi stepping up. It would be so great to see her take on the role of DI … if the show could alter its course a little.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Nice to see Hastings kind of called out over his advice when his wife asked that he take a holiday. I like these later seasons of the show.

Elementary ended up being interesting. Felt bad for Shinwell. But also enjoyed seeing him strive to be better. Sherlock and Joan also had a twisty case, which ended up going in a direction I didn't expect.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and I really enjoy seeing the team come together. Looks like we'll get to see Artemis in the next episode.

Truly enjoyed an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. Loved the whole vibe with Mariner and Jack. Also loved Rutherford getting his promotion. Looking forward to seeing what the cold open is about later in the season.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. Gotta say, I didn't expect to be rather sad during the whole episode, but I ended up grabbing tissues before it was over.

Also used some Kanopy tickets and watched The Thin Man, one of my favorite classic films. I really, really wish the other films were available for streaming.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Drink Me! A sexy short featuring the characters from One Hot Mess.

Here's the miniblurb:

A bottle of alcohol takes on the role of perpetrator in a couple's romp filled weekend. Both would swear the damn thing dared them to drink every last drop.

And a sneaky peek…

Eva snorted. "Gonna be hard to consider you my mortal enemy now that I know we have this strange detail in common." She slurped another shot down.

Mac blinked and shook his head. "Wait. What? Mortal enemies?" He flung a towel over his shoulder and leaned his forearms on the bar. "There's no way. What's the story?" His gaze shot back and forth between them

Van poured more alcohol into the glasses. "The story is … we're on rival teams and usually snap and snarl at each other between matches." He lifted his shot and toasted her.

Eva smirked. "Even right now, we're playing nicely together, but get us in an arena and all bets are off." She guzzled the drink in one gulp.

Mac huffed out a breath. "Damn. I would've never guessed." He glanced out toward the concourse. "So, you're pro athletes? What're you doing dressed up in costume?"

Van's lips twisted. "Let's just say we're fulfilling a team obligation and leave it at that." His eyes filled with humor.

Eva wagged her finger. "Uh-uh. Although that's true." She leaned in toward Mac. "Van here, didn't think I could pull off anything better than being a sky hawg mechanic." She gave him a pointed look.

Van winced. "To say you proved me wrong is an understatement." He glanced at Mac. "In my defense, I'd never seen her in anything but sky hawg shirts and competition uniforms." He shrugged. "I threw out a challenge and she more than rose to the occasion."

Mac did a slow nod. "Damn straight she did." He huffed out a breath. "If I didn't have a committed relationship with my boyfriend, I'd be tempted." His eyebrows waggled.

Eva laughed. "For a reaction like that, I'm glad I put in the effort." She met Van's gaze. "But get a good look … because this will never happen again. I'm so not into dresses."

Van's gaze did a slow once-over. And Eva experienced a strong pull of desire at the heat lingering there. But … they didn't do stuff like that.

Right?

Having fun with this one. I love writing bonus scenes for other stories.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Domino Effect

May is shaping up to be a weird month. I'm feeling kind of rushed but at the same time like I'm bogged down in mud. I think that's a sign that big change is coming and I'm not always as go with the flow as I'd like to be. We'll see what the summer brings.

Work projects are in a good place. I finished up a proofread and only have a few random changes to check. Also moved a copy edit off my plate. I'm continuing work on a design proofread and started a manuscript proofread over the weekend. I have a client call this week on a memoir and a developmental edit I'm returning to after a bit of a break. All in all, shaping up to be a busy week.

Hoping to put in some work on my sorely neglected website to get things moving on one of the side hustles I've been working on for a long time. I'm putting this in writing as a motivator!

Had a really good viewing week. I got through my full slate of shows and got one of my back-burner ones in also.

Started out with finishing up Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm not sure I actually got to see this one during my original run through.

Also caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Ended up really enjoying this one also. Very fun to see some previous characters return.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and I love that Jack is considering teaching. That could end up being fun to watch. Also love his interactions with Kat.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Poor Hastings has had a run of bad luck with his investments. Very fun to see Poirot not enjoy his health retreat until the mystery starts.

Elementary had another great episode. Season five has been very enjoyable with the cast gelling in a great way. Loved the guy getting his comeuppance because he couldn't resist leaving the country for a hockey match.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I ended up really enjoying how the team worked together even while completely blowing their original mission.

Caught the season four premier of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed every moment. Fun to see the growth of the characters and also fun to see so many callbacks to other Trek shows.

Hit an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. Really felt for Alex and Carrie. And I also really loved Will changing his mind about the case with the sisters. Then again, if he'd listened to Alex in the first place he wouldn't have had to.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Domino Effect, a novella that pulls a couple together after splitting them apart by circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Every action Frank and Katya take pushes a reaction out of the other. And like dominos, one barrier crashes into the next until nothing is left but a tangle of emotions they have to deal with.

And a sneaky peek…

"Geez, what the hell possessed me to leave everything I knew behind?"

Following her head, instead of her heart. Katya hoped she didn't live to regret it.

Hell, she hoped she survived, period.

Less than ten hours back on the stupid planet she used to call home and she'd started to wonder if she'd taken on a fool's mission.

Less angry and more rational, Katya now had the gift of hindsight. "The president completely manipulated things to get me on board." Right … not that it took much.

Katya's issues with impulse control weren't exactly a secret. Nor were her problems with her father, the admiral. The president certainly used both to her advantage.

And currently, Katya had time to ponder the fallout when she returned. "Might be better off sticking around and not going back." Then again, her former home didn't exactly offer welcoming conditions.

At least she had the cover of a murky darkness. "If only I knew where to go." She hadn't been around this area for over two decades and only had fuzzy memories of a single school field trip to act as a guide.

Creeping close to one of the walkways, she crouched down and scoped out the location. She could stay here under the outcropping of concrete and wait for first light. She didn't want to draw too much attention trying to figure out which relic site she needed access to.

Settling against a large, round pillar, she heaved a sigh. "Why did I agree to do this insane op again?" Aside from the smoothly put request from the president?

Frank. Right.

Friend. Foe. Adversary.

Love of my life.

But she'd never be the love of his. Royally screwed up any chance of that. Which had kinda been the goal … until she realized just how much she truly wanted him.

She could've had him. Reached right out and grabbed hold, but she let him slip through her fingers.

Why, why, why did she always push him beyond the limit? And why, oh good stars above, why had she fallen into bed with Banacek?

She snorted. "Too much booze and fantasizing about Frank."

The man terrified her. Not in a physical kind of way. But in the she could get so wrapped up in him she'd lose herself kind of deal.

She'd already started to get lost, caught up in the wait and wonder, when she took the wrong turn. Not seeing or talking to Frank for two full days had her completely on edge and convinced he regretted the incredible night they spent together. He'd had time to think it through and decided they made a mistake. Why else would he disappear on her?

She'd talked herself into believing the worst, something she excelled at, and chose to drown her disappointment with some very good scotch. A buttload of shots later, Rich Banecek made a move and she let him. Didn't matter that she woke up completely skeeved out, the deed done and over with.

And Banecek wasted zero time sharing the information.

Took Frank less than a day to hear about it and track her down. And holy hell, pissed off didn't describe his state of mind. He'd grabbed her arm, dragged her to a storage locker and let loose.

Gave her a verbal tongue lashing to put his physical one to shame. She listened, let him vent, each punctuated word slicing deep. He always wielded words with surgical precision.

When he finally finished spewing venom, she turned and faced him. "We had one night together. You didn't say anything about making it more. You said we'd talk about it later." She lifted a brow. "Later came and went, Frank. Where the hell were you?"

His jaw dropped. "Wait. Let me get this straight. I don't make an immediate declaration, so you screw the next available guy?" He shook his head.

Katya shrugged. "Believe what you want. That's not how it happened." Although it sure looked that way.

Frank crossed his arms across his chest. "How did it happen, Katya? Exactly."

She turned away again. "Look. I haven't seen you for four days. I assumed you convinced yourself we'd made a mistake." Or remembered his stupid rule about not screwing the admiral's daughter.

Frank nearly choked on his words. "I've been a little busy."

And yean, she knew that. If he didn't get pulled into a meeting with command, he got tapped to sit in with government.

He made a frustrated sound and whirled away from her. "You can't wait longer than ninety-six hours to see where things go?" His voice rose and he paced around, trying to keep his anger in check.

She said nothing. What could she say? No way in hell would she admit she'd been drunk off her ass because she hadn't seen or heard from him. Or that she'd screwed the first hot guy she'd found to drive him from her mind.

Frank's already low opinion would be worse.

He spun around and faced her. "I can't win with you. You did say you don't want some man to stake a claim, right?" He didn't wait for an answer. "What you really mean is you don't want anything more than a quick fuck." He leveled his gaze on her. "Guess I ruined that one for you, too." He shot her a disgusted look and walked out.

Katya flinched when the hatch slammed closed. Ouch. That last comment hurt. Because they'd done the wham-bam-this-sex-had-to-happen-now thing the first time. They couldn't help it; they were so hot for each other. But that coupling only took the edge off. The rest of the night etched itself so far inside Katya's brain, she'd never forget it, in fact, she'd put it on autoplay to relive every moment. She wanted to remember the incredible sex. Didn't want to ever forget the connection, regardless of what Frank thought.

She shook her head. Half a galaxy away and he still took up space in her brain. She couldn’t stop thinking about him and the too brief interlude before she'd left. She continued to replay every conversation. But the one on constant rewind would have to be when Frank nailed her to the wall and cut her open. He tore through her bravado and laid to waste her carefully constructed façade.

But he didn't know it. She had too much pride to tell him, to admit her mistake or own the truth of his words.

Because Frank threw everything she'd ever said back in her face. And he'd had every right. She'd fucked up any chance they might have had … because she hadn't believed he could really, truly want her.

But she'd been wrong. So, so wrong. Now she had to survive and make her way back to him. Even if he hated her.

Hunching down, she draped her flight jacket over her chest. "I'm a glutton for punishment, but maybe there's a chance we figure this shit out." Hopefully, he'd understand why she left.

If not, well, she'd find the patience she needed to change his mind. She would do whatever it took to make him see the reasons. And … she would get them back on track or die trying.

Kind of a long snippet this week. I love Katya's internal monologue here.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Domestic Partners

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, mentors, fur baby mothers, aunties, found moms, and mother figures. I hope this day is joyful and everything you want it to be. For all those out there who have a hard time with this day, I hope peace and serenity find you.

Coming off a super-busy week with a lot going on between work and home. There are times I really wish I could split myself in two so I could get more accomplished.

Work projects ended up being chaotic. A bunch are finishing up, which is great. But they're also closing out with little things that need attention and happening all at once. Whew! I'm actually not sure how I made it through the week.

I have a couple of new projects starting this week and they're fairly normal, which is good for my executive function. I at least feel like I'll be able to breathe.

Even with all the chaos projects, I ended having a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows. I didn't get to watch any extras, but I'm okay with that.

Started out with Brokenwood Mysteries and really enjoyed the mystery. I rather like Reverend Green and Doctor Plummer and seeing them work through a rough patch kind of made the whole show.

Got started on an episode of Foyle's War and need to finish it up this week. I'd forgotten how twisty the last two seasons were with the spy thrilled angle.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Thoroughly enjoyed Mervin and Solomon interacting. Kind of curious where they'll go with things and I have a feeling it won't be to a good place.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved having Hastings return. The twisty, twisty tale also made for great viewing. Love it when Poirot almost stumbles then catches himself before he faceplants.

Elementary ended up being really good. I love Joan having Marcus's back. Getting the dirt for him made me so happy. Also loved the mystery they had to solve.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I'm pretty interested in where things go. I like the team figuring out how to interact and I look forward to seeing their new member.

Finished up the third season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Gotta say for someone who really disliked Mariner well into the second season, I'd probably die for her now. That's a great character arc. Just saying.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Domestic Partners, a novella that explores a second chance at romance for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tabby and Hale pretend to be domestic partners to keep the man who killed her husband from getting his hands on her. But when they're forced to live together, sparks and tempers fly, because Tabby broke a promise she made to Hale and he's not going to let her forget it.

And a sneaky peek…

Shock filled Hale. Her marriage had been for convenience? And it never worked?

Hale wondered what pushed Tabby to come clean. "Why tell me now?" Concern for him couldn't be the only deciding factor.

Tabby got up and paced again. "Because I'm dangerously close to breaking my promise to never fall again, and you and I"—she waved between them—"can't ever be." She whirled around and gazed out the small window.

Hale prodded again. "Why?" He might be poking an open wound, but he really needed to understand her mindset.

Tabby's fingers curled into her palms. "Argh! I hate that question." She faced him again. "Because I betrayed your trust and, even though I had a damn good reason, you've never forgotten. Nor will you." Her gaze dared him to deny her statement.

He wouldn't unravel the fragile thread being woven between them by lying to her.

Hale gave a short nod. "No, I won't." He moved to the edge of the bed. "But I can put it aside and move forward." At least start from a fresh perspective.

Tabby huffed out a breath. "I somehow doubt you can." She turned back to the window again.

Hale bit back a sigh. He wouldn't try to convince her otherwise. Not when she couldn't get out of her own way.

Hale stood up and gathered his gear. "That's your prerogative, Tabby, but it's also your problem." He hoisted his duffel over his shoulder. "If you can't get beyond your past actions, there's no hope for a future. Not just with me but for yourself." He paused for a moment. "It's bleak and lonely when you can't let anyone in."

Tabby remained quiet, not agreeing or disagreeing. 

Hale sighed. "Look, I'm going on standby for a two-day recon trip to the other mine." He started for the door. "Think about what you want and when I get back, we'll go from there." He left their yurt and headed for the dorms.

He hadn't planned on staying there tonight but giving Tabby some space couldn't hurt. And he could use a little distance himself after her revelations. She'd married Sam for convenience.

And she'd never loved him.

What do I do with that information?

Very pleased with how this one is coming along. Looking forward to finishing it up.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dodging Reality

Yeesh. So far, May has been a very chilly month. Our high yesterday hit forty-five degrees. Brrr. I'm going to try really hard to remember this when I'm crying because it's eighty-five in October. Just saying.

I didn't quite get everything tracked down that I wanted to last week so I'm carrying it over to this week. I think I'm going to make May my month to get stuff done. And, I'll be honest, it'll probably spill over into June. Time moves faster than I like sometimes.

Pretty good work week all things considered. I closed out a project and came close to finishing the final steps two others. Finished up a copy edit on a long manuscript and started a proofread on another. I have a continuation of another project on the books for this week also. I love to be busy.

Not a bad viewing week. I got through my usual list of shows, which makes me happy. I didn't get to watch any of my back burner shows or a concert, but maybe this week.

Started out with the season-twelve premier of the Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Love having the cast of recurring characters making appearances.

Watched the final behind the scenes bonus of Foyle's War and enjoyed seeing the effort that went into creating the battle scene. Should be starting the final season this week.

Caught the opening episode of the next Poirot season. Kind of fun to see how little Poirot enjoyed retirement. And a really good mystery also.

Finished up the two-part Silent Witness premier. A very twisty story with lots of layers. I think I'm going to like having the team work at the new Bowman Center.

Elementary ended up being really interesting. I'm enjoying the Shinwell training and the case ended up being way complicated than I thought it would be.

Watched the second episode of Young Justice and I enjoyed seeing the team come together. Looking forward to more.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, whoo boy. Gotta say Mariner got shafted. Should be fun and interesting to see how things play out over the rest of the season.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Dodging Reality, a novella that explores how a couple get together while doing their best to dodge an embedded reporter on the front lines.

Here's the miniblurb:

Take a reality show set on the front lines in space, add a brash reporter who wants the down and dirty secrets of the crew—and will stop at nothing to get them—and mix it up with a couple fighting their attraction while protecting their pilots from the ratings hound. Stir in a little backstabbing from the camera man and the outcome is Dodging Reality.

And a sneaky peek…

Caro did indeed hit the gym. She had some major aggression to work through. Halfway through her set the hatch clanged open, and the cloying scent of Monique the Menace's perfume overpowered Caro's sense of smell.

"Son of a cursed mongrel." The dumbbells crashed against each other on the way to the deck.

The bitch in heels made her entrance. "Why, Captain, you don't seem happy to see me."

"Maybe because I smelled you first. Do you bathe in that shit?"

Monique's claws came out. "Do you bathe at all?"

Caro shrugged. "Check your footage. Pretty sure you've got the proof that I do."

Monique couldn't argue with truth.

She lifted a shoulder and smirked. "Major Albright suggested I might find you here." She showed teeth with her smile. "Thought you might be a good person to start with for this week's one-on-ones."

Caro snorted. "Really? Better get your info straight, Ms. Presley." Caro finished up a rep with the free weights. "I know for a fact he told you to save me for last. Or at least put me in the slot before him." She leveled her gaze on the woman. "Care to tell me why you're not sticking to your end of the agreement?"

"Because when I asked him, he informed me you'd be here." Monique tittered. "Apparently he's got a full plate trying to deal with the lieutenant's little drug situation."

Caro shook her head. "Lady, you don't want to discuss that topic with me. When people go after my pilots, my gut reaction is to punch them in the face." She levelled her gaze on the other woman. "Trust me … neither of us want that." Okay, Caro wanted it but had promised to behave herself.

Monique arched a brow. "So hostile, Captain." She wandered about the small gym, poking around the machines. "You seem to have some aggression issues. How ever do you manage to get through the day?"

Caro shot her a look. "Quiet time in the gym helps. You're cutting into that." And she wanted to kill Vic for mentioning where she'd be.

Monique tried to appear apologetic. "Yes. It appears so." She tottered back toward Caro. "But please, indulge me for one little question." She held up a hand. "It's not about your pilot."

The woman's heels made deep pockmarks on the exercise mat and Caro wanted to be rid of her as soon as possible. Answering one stupid question could do the trick. Maybe.

She rolled her eyes. "What do you want to know?" Reaching down, she picked up the dumbbells and wrapped her hands around them.

If nothing else, they'd make great weapons.

Monique eyed the weights and took a small step back. "Just a quick answer to a simple query." Her gaze stayed on the heavy objects.

Caro sighed. "Sure, whatever." She hefted the dumbbells and placed them back on the stand. "Make it fast." Snagging a towel, she mopped the sweat off her face. "I'm between reps here."

Monique motioned the crew in, and they quickly had things rolling.

She pasted on her interview face. "Captain Williams, it's been bandied about by some of the other pilots that you and Major Albright have quite a close relationship. What's your response to that?" She held the microphone close to Caro.

Caro's jaw dropped. "My response? I'm his deputy CAG, of course we work closely together." What the hell?

Monique shook her head. "No. You misunderstand. It's not that you work closely, it's that you and he … are very, very close." She went in for the kill. "Inappropriately so." Her eyebrows waggled.

The woman wanted a certain response, and Caro wouldn't give it to her.

Tilting her head to the side, Caro pretended to ponder her answer. "My response to that would then be … it's bullshit. Major Albright and I do not have a relationship outside of the work we do." Other than a solid friendship.

Monique snorted. "Come on, Captain. The man is gorgeous. You're telling me you've never noticed?" Her tone turned snide.

Caro narrowed her eyes. "I'm telling you it doesn't matter how good his looks might be. He does the job and so do I." Usually under intense conflict.

Monique scoffed. "And you've never wanted or wished to push that further? See what all that prime flesh feels like, up close and personal?" She gave a delicate shudder.

Caro snapped back. "You know, even if I did, we have a term in the military called discipline. There's also one called regulation." She paused for a moment. "We have the definitions drilled into us for a reason." Even if there were ways around said reason.

Monique snorted. "And you've never been tempted to throw either out the airlock and just get down and dirty with the major?"

Caro blinked. "How could I be? We've got the enemy breathing down our neck and a film crew shoved up our ass. When would I have the time?" And why would she admit anything to Monique the Menace?

Monique let out a low whistle. "For him … I'd be very tempted to make the time." She made a purring sound.

Caro bit back a snarl. "Guess that's what separates the strong from the weak-willed." She turned toward the weight stand and grabbed the next size up. "Your five minutes are up." Caro started arm curls. "Unless you want to bore your audience with my workout routine, you might wanna head back out and irritate someone else." And take the hint I'm done playing nice.

Presley made a cut sign to her crew and they stopped filming.

She waited for them to start packing up then gave Caro a slow once-over with her gaze. "You might deny there's an attraction between you and the major, but anyone can see it."

Caro didn't take the bait and continued her routine. "Big difference between attraction and action. And there's no joy on that, regardless of what anyone thinks." She paused her reps. "There's no story here, Ms. Presley."

Monique gave Caro a calculating look. "No, I guess not. But it does clear one thing up for me in a big way."

Caro arched her brows. "Yeah, what's that?" As if she really cared.

Monique's mouth curved. "Major Albright is fair game." She pirouetted. "And I'm on the hunt."

Caro feigned nonchalance she didn't feel and snorted. "You're a very scary woman." She reached for the dumbbells again. "Now, if you don’t mind … I've still got some aggression to work out." And maybe a picture to find for the heavy bag.

Monique ran her gaze up and down Caro. "Yes, it appears so. I'll leave you to work on that attitude adjustment then." She waved to the crew, indicating they could exit. "Maybe I'll track down the delicious major."

Caro didn't react. Couldn't. Exactly what Ms. Perfume Overload wanted.

Instead, she huffed out a laugh. "Yeah. Good luck with that." She waited for the catty reporter and her camera man to exit then put the dumbbells away.

She headed across the gym and slammed the heavy bag with a hard one-two punch.

Find the delicious major. Geez. Who talked like that?

Ripping off the gloves, she tossed them in the bin and grabbed her towel. A nasty mood settled around her. And it involved more than having a nosy reporter on board. Monique's interest in Vic shouldn't irritate Caro, but it did.

Enough that she couldn't finish the workout. Too keyed up.  She'd hit the showers instead.

Longer than usual glimpse but this scene came together in a way I didn't expect and made me happy.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye